Sheet media package having radio-frequency identification transponder

ABSTRACT

Sheet media package system includes a cartridge or other packaging for containing a plurality of sheet media; and a radio-frequency identification transponder which stores relevant digital data associated with the cartridge or other packaging.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

“This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit under 35USC §119 of the earlier filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/372,628, filed Aug. 11, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,119, entitledCamera Having Radio-Frequency Identification Transponder, by Manico etal., which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/372,287, filed Aug. 11, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,416 entitledFilm Unit Having Radio-Frequency Identification Transponder, by Manicoet al., which is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/218,595, filed on Dec. 22, 1998, now abandoned entitled A Printerwith Donor and Receiver Media Supply Trays Each Adapted to Allow aPrinter to Sense Type of Media Therein, and Method of Assembling thePrinter and Trays, by Spurr et al. disclosure(s) of which areincorporated herein”.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to sheet media systems and moreparticularly to a cartridge or other packaging containing sheet mediafor use in such sheet media imaging systems, the cartridge or otherpackaging having a radio-frequency identification transponder associatedwith it.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sheet media imaging systems include laser imaging systems which producemedical images on photosensitive sheet film from digital medical imagesgenerated by diagnostic imaging systems (MRI, CT, US, PET), computedradiography systems, medical image digitizers, digital or analog medicalimage archives, direct digital radiography or the like. The sheet filmcan be packaged in optically opaque packaging which is removed underdark room conditions and loaded into a film supply of a laser imager.Dark room film loading is eliminated by the resealable film cartridgedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,400, issued Dec. 5, 1995, inventorsLemberger et al. The disclosed cartridge allows for daylight loading andcan be reused and removed from the laser imager. U.S. Pat. No.5,229,585, issued Jul. 20, 1993, inventors Lemberger et al., discloses abar code system which uses this resealable cartridge to control a laserimaging system. The cartridge has attached to it an optical bar codewith a unique cartridge ID, film size, film type information and filmsensitometric information. The laser imager has a bar code scanner whichreads information from the bar code as the cartridge is opened. Animager management system controls the laser imager as a function of theinput data and the information read from the bar code. A film processordevelops the film as a function of film type information read from thebar code. The laser imager stores information relating to film usage ofthe cartridge.

Although the optical bar code system disclosed in the latter two patentsis useful for the purposes for which they were intended, certainlimitations are inherent in this technology as follows.

1. The optical bar code has a limited data storage capability.

2. There are a limited number of unique bar codes.

3. The data is fixed and cannot be changed.

4. The bar code must be located on the outside of the cartridge to allowscanning, exposing the bar code to wear and dirt which result in barcode read failures.

5. Film usage information is stored in the image management system ofthe laser imaging system.

Other technologies for encoding data on a cartridge are also limited.Thus, magnetic encodement allows data to be changed but requires precisecontact between a magnetic layer on the cartridge and a magnetic head.Electrical contact with a memory chip mounted on a cartridge alsorequires precise positioning of the cartridge relative to the read/writedevice. Both technologies are complex and expensive and are susceptibleto wear and degradation.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,659, issued Jun. 27, 1995, inventors Renner et al.discloses a device for transferring electrical signals and electricenergy to the memory device of a cassette by radio frequency signals bymeans of a capacitive coupling device. Although the disclosed device isuseful for the purpose for which it was intended, it requires precisepositioning of the cassette for transfer of data and direct contactbetween the cartridge and the cartridge receiver.

There is thus a need for a sheet media system which uses sheet mediapackaging having encoded data which has a large data storage, whichallow s reading of and writing to the data storage, which is resistantto degradation due to dirt, wear and tear, and which is simple andeconomical to implement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a solution to theneeds discussed above.

According to a feature of the present invention, there is provided asheet media system comprising, packaging which can be communicated with,with or without physical contact with the transponder, and which storesrelevant digital data for holding a plurality of sheet media and aradio-frequency identification transponder associated with saidcartridge.

According to another feature of the present invention. there is provideda reusable cartridge for holding a plurality of sheet media and aradio-frequency identification transponder associated with saidcartridge.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention has the following advantages.

1. Sheet media packaging is provided having large encoded data storage.

2. The encoded data storage can be read and written to.

3. Encoded data can be read or written quickly.

4. The RFID system is resistant to degradation due to dirt, wear andtear.

5. The RFID system is simple and economical to implement.

6. The RFID system encodes film usage as well as initial film count.

7. The RFID system can encode information on recycling of the cartridgesuch as number of times cartridge is recycled, time from last recycling,to prevent had cartridge from being reused.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laser imager which uses the presentinvention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are respectively plan and side elevational views of aresealable cartridge incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a transponder, which can be used in thepresent invention.

FIGS. 6-8 are diagrammatic views of other embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 9-11 are perspective views of a cartridge receiving base withtransceiver according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a cartridge/film manufacturing process.

FIG. 13 is a general block diagram of a radiographic laser imager,

FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrammatic views of other embodiments of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a sheet media imaging system such as digital imager 10which is configured to operate with a resealable photographic filmcartridge 12. In the embodiment shown, laser imager 10 includes acartridge-receiving base 16 into which film cartridge 12 with filmsheets 14 is loaded. A cartridge opening,closing mechanism 18 is mountedto base 16. Film cartridge 12 is loaded into base 16, and sealed withina light-tight compartment. Opening/closing mechanism 18 then openscartridge 12 to permit access to film sheets 14 in cartridge 12. Sheets14 are removed from the opened cartridge 12 and transported to othersubsystems of imager 10 (as described below).

Opening closing mechanism 18 is also actuated to close cartridge 12before the cartridge is removed from imager 10. Since cartridge 12 isresealable, it can be removed from imager 10 before all the film withinthe cartridge has been exposed. Cartridges 12 with different sizes ortypes of film media can therefore be conveniently loaded into andremoved from laser imager 10 as needed, without wasting and unused filmremaining Within the cartridge.

As shown, imager 10 includes an optical scanning module 208, electronicsmodule 210, and integrated thermal processor 310 enclosed in enclosure201.

Film sheet 14 is transported out of cartridge by suction feed mechanism228, fed into staging area 230 where sheet 14 is transported bybidirectional film staging mechanism 232 into optical scanning module208.

Module 208 is mounted onto optical frame 240, for aligning and holdingfilm sheet 14 during the image scanning process. Optical frame 240 isconstructed from a rolled sheet metal which is welded to a box-shapedhousing. Film sheet 14 transported onto cylindrical film platen 244where it is scanned.

Film alignment devices 248. align film sheet 14 on platen 244. Once thescanning of the image is complete then exposed film sheet 14 istransported out of film platen 244 toward bidirectional film stagingmechanism 232 for transportation of exposed film sheet 14 to thermalprocessor 310. Bidirectional film staging mechanism 232 includes a setof three rollers 238 234, and 236 where center roller 234 is driven androllers 238, 236 are idlers. Film staging mechanism 232 is designed suchthat exposed film sheet 14 can be transported out of film platen 244between rollers 234 and 236 while simultaneously transporting unexposedfilm sheet 14 onto film platen 244 between rollers 234 and 238, ifdesired.

Electronics module 210 includes imager control s)stems. The operator caninterface with the electronics through either a keypad mounted on aconsole, a portable keypad or a modem.

The imager control system receives information from densitometer 264reads and compares optical density information from an optical densitypatch generated during the scanning process having a predeterminedtarget optical density on the trailing edge of developed film sheet 14.If necessary, the exposure is adjusted to compensate for any minordifferences in optical density.

Enclosure 201 is divided into two primary chambers, upper chamber 202and lower chamber 204, with a passage for transporting film sheet 14between the two chambers. Thermal processor 310 is preferably located inupper chamber 202. Lower chamber 204 containing optical scanning module208. electronics module 210. and power supply 211 and is kept at apositive pressure with respect to upper chamber 202 to prevent damage ofthe optics due to volatile materials outgassed from film sheet 14 duringthermal processing and to protect optical scanning module 208 fromdetrimental temperature increases. Thermal processor 310 includesrotatable heated member 314 and guiding members 316 for heat developmentof exposed film sheet 14.

Enclosure 201 can include an openable cover 266. For example. openablecover 266 can be pivotally connected to the remainder of enclosure 201.Guiding members 316 can be attached to cover 266 so that when cover 266is opened, guiding members 316 are lifted away from heated member 314providing easier access to heated member 314. After processing,developed film sheet 14 is cooled and deposited in output tray 280.

Resealable cartridge 12 can be described in greater detail withreference to FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown, cartridge 12 includes a opticallyopaque polymer film-receiving tray 20 and flexible, optically opaquepolymer cover 22. Cover 22 is resealably mounted to tray 20 by adhesivecoating 24A-24D. Other resealing techniques can be used such as magneticstrips. Tray 20 is preferably molded in one piece from a polymericmaterial.

Tray 20 is a relatively shallow member and includes a generally planarbottom wall 26, front wall 28A. rear wall 28B and side walls 28C and28D. Lips 30A-30D extend outwardly from the upper edges of respectivewalls 28A-28D, and circumscribe a film access opening of tray 20.Inwardly projecting guides 32 are formed on walls 28A-28D to properlyposition sheets of film (not shown) within tray 20. Feet 34A-34D areformed into and extend downwardly from bottom wall 26 to supportcartridge 12 within base 16 of laser imager 10. Bottom wall 26 alsoincludes positioning recesses 36 which are tapered and extend into tray20 from the bottom wall. Positioning recesses 36 are configured toreceive positioning lugs extending from base 16. The positioning lugssecure and properly orient cartridge 12 within laser imager 10. In theembodiment shown, positioning recesses 36 are molded into feet 34A and34B adjacent to front wall 28A. A media presence monitoring well 35 isalso formed in bottom wall 26. Media presence monitoring sensors ofimager 10 (not shown) extend into well 35 below the surface of bottomwall 26 when all film has been removed from tray 20.

Feet 34A and 34B (i.e., those adjacent to front wall 28A) also includeramp surfaces 38 which slope downwardly from the lower edge of the frontwall to the bottom of the feet.

Ramp surfaces 38 guide feet 34A and 34B over the positioning lugs inimager base 16 as cartridge 12 is being loaded into the base. Theembodiment of tray 20 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 also includes arecess 40 in bottom wall 26 which forms a platform on the bottomexterior of tray 20. A pair of feet 41 are formed as releases in bottomwall 26 adjacent recess 40. Reinforcing ribs (not shown in FIGS. 2 and3) can also be molded into bottom wall 26 and/or side walls 28A-28D toincrease the rigidity of tray 20.

The forwardmost or leading edge of front lip 30A also includes a seriesof spaced cut-out sections 42. Cut-out sections 42 form a series ofspaced projections 44 on the leading edge of lip 30A. Cut-out sections42 and projections 44 cooperate with yet to be described aspects ofcover 22 and opening/closing mechanism 18 to facilitate the opening andsubsequent closing of cartridge 12.

Cover 22 is a flexible, photo-inert and optically opaque sheet ofmaterial sized to extend over the access opening of tray 20. Cover 22has edges 23A-23D (only edges 23A and 23D are shown in FIG. 2) whichextend between and mate with tray lips 30A-30D. respectively.

The front edge 23A of cover 22 extends over the tray cut-out sections42, and includes elongated apertures 46 which are positioned over thecut-out sections when the cover is sealed onto tray 20. Apertures 46facilitate the engagement of opening closing mechanism 18 with cover 22in a manner described below.

Cartridge 12 is provided with a stack of photosensitive sheet media,such as unexposed radiographic film used in laser imagers. The film maybe processable by conventional wet processing techniques or bythermographic dry processing techniques. According to the presentinvention cartridge 12 has a radio frequency identification (RFID)transponder associated with it. As shown in FIG. 4, an inlay transponder50 is mounted on the bottom of liner 52 facing the bottom wall ofcartridge 12.

Radio-frequency identification transponders are widely available in avariety of forms. Inlay transponders have a substantially flat shape.FIG. 5 shows an inlay transponder 50 having a flexible support sheet 54carrying a planar flat coil antenna 56 and integrated circuit chip 58having a non-volatile digital memory such as an EEPROM (ElectricallyErasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Stored in non-volatile memoryare relevant encoded digital data. Sheet 54 is electrically insulatingplastic and antenna 56 is a layer of conductive material deposited onsheet 54. Connectors 59 and necessary insulation are provided asdeposited layers. Inlay transponders of this type are marketed by TexasInstrument Inc., Dallas, Tex. as Tag-it™ inlays. Transponders suppliedfrom other sources may also be used. The transponder is interrogated byan RF signal from an external transceiver which is not in contact withthe transponder and may be some distance from it. The transponder has aunique ID code which is transmitted to the transceiver uponinterrogation. Data can be both written to and read from thenon-volatile memory. In this embodiment other transponder configurationscan be used in place thereof For example, the transponder can becylindrical.

The transponder associated with cartridge 12 can be mounted in otherareas thereof. FIG. 6 shows transponder 50 mounted on upper sheet 22.FIG. 7 shows transponder 50 mounted on the side of cartridge 12. FIG. 8shows transponder 50 mounted on the outside surface of cartridge 12 canalso be mounted on the inside surface of the bottom of the cartridge 12.It will be understood that transponder 50 can be mounted on cartridge 12in any convenient area on the inside or outside thereof. Alternatively,the transponder can be an integral part of the cartridge.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11. there is shown cartridge receiving base 16and opening and closing mechanism 18. Base 16 is mounted in imager 10(FIG. 1). Base 16 has a bottom member 70 side members 72, 74, rearmember 76, and front member 78. Lugs 80, 82 engage recess 36 ofcartridge 12 to position cartridge 12 in base 16. Opening/closingmechanism 18 has a unit 84 which engages the apertures 46 of cover 22 toroll it back for removal of film sheets from cartridge 12. Mechanism 18rides in tracks 86, 88. The operation of mechanism 18 is described ingreater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,132,724, issued Jul. 21, 1992,inventors Lemberger et al., the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference and will not be repeated here.

The transceiver for communicating with transponder 50 includes anantenna 90 and read/write electronics 92 electrically connected toantenna 90. Antenna 90 is located in proximity to transponder 50 whencartridge 12 is positioned in base.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an exemplary manufacturing process formaking film cartridge 12. As shown, process A produces a wide web filmbase which is coated in process B to produce unexposed film. A largeroll of wide film is then slit into narrower strips which are cut intosheets (process C). A five sided cartridge with an open top is molded inprocess D and adhesive added to the upper edges of the cartridge. Aliner with transponder is inserted into the bottom of the cartridge anda resealable cover is applied in process E. In process F. the cartridgeis opened and a stack of film sheets is inserted into the cartridge ontop of the insert. In process G, the resealable cover is closed. Inprocess H, one or more film or cartridge processes or other relevantdigital data are stored in the transponder.

Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a block diagram of imager 10. Afilm cartridge 400 containing unexposed radiographic film and having atransponder 402 is loaded into imager 10. RFID transponder 402 isinterrogated by RFID transceiver 404 under the control of control system406. Cartridge/Film Handling system 408, opens the film cartridge,removes a sheet of film, and transports it to Film Exposure Station 410.Image Source 412, such as a digital radiographic image storage.transmits an image to be reproduced to Image Processor 414, where theimage can be processed for various parameters including ones which havebeen derived from data supplied by RFID transponder 402. Such data caninclude film size, film sensitometry, film age, etc. The processed imageis reproduced by Laser Scanner 416 on a film sheet located at FilmExposure Station 410. The exposed film is then processed by FilmProcessor 418 which can be a wet process film processor or a dry filmprocessor. An exemplary laser imager for use with heat processable dryfilm is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,971, issued Dec. 28, 1999,inventors Star et al.

According to the invention the cartridge transponder can store one ormore of the following types of relevant digital data, among others.

1. Unique transponder ID number

2. Cartridge ID number

3. Film type, lot number, all manufacturing machines or processes thatfilm saw (e.g., those associated with processes A, B, and C of FIG. 12).

4. Film expiration date

5. Film size and initial number of film sheets in cartridge

6. All manufacturing machines or processes that cartridge saw (e.g thoseassociated with processes D, E, F, G of FIG. 12)

7. Messages for customers, sales or service

8. Upgrade software for the laser imager According to a further featureof the invention, the laser imager transceiver can transmit one or moreof the following types of data to the film cartridge transponder afterinstallation in the laser imager.

1. Number of film sheets remaining in the cartridge.

2. Any measured laser imager parameter such as film calibration, imageprocessing look up tables, motor speeds, temperature, errors, transferfunctions, laser imager ID number, imager film usage, density patchtracking for Automatic Image Quality Control.

3. Any information relating to recycling of the cartridge such as:number of times recycled, date of recycling, time from last recycle,error codes that can prevent cartridge from being reused.

4. Laser imager failures, such as: sheet film jams, optic failure,communication problems, recalibration.

5. Times to scheduled service, preventive maintenance, error fix. filmsupply.

6. Codes to facilitate auditing of film, cartridge, customer, imager.

Although the present invention is described as associated with acartridge containing sheet media, it will be understood that the RFIDtransponder can be used with other types of sheet media packaging, suchas the flexible packaging disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,768, issuedOct. 26, 1999, inventors Mazion et al., the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIG. 14, flexible packaging 4000 includes a light tightenclosure for a stack of light sensitive media sheets 4020. Packaging4000 is made of a bag having sides 4040, 4060, rolled up end 4080secured by tape 4100 and tapered end 4120. Packaging 4000 can beinserted in a light tight sheet media supply in a laser printer andremoved in the printer by mechanical means to leave the stack of mediasheets 4020 in the printer supply. (Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No.5,765,091, issued Jun. 9, 1998, inventors Kovach et al., for anexemplary apparatus in which the packaging 4000 may be used).

According to a feature of the present invention, RFID transponder 4140is associated with packaging 4000. Transponder 4140 stores relevantdigital data as further explained above. The apparatus utilizingpackaging 4000 includes a transceiver for communicating with thetransponder associated with the packaging as further explained above.

Instead of associating the RFID transponder with a sheet media cartridgeof other packaging containing the sheet media. another feature of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 15. involves placing a removabletransponder in apparatus utilizing sheet media, in proximity to atransceiver located in the apparatus. For example, as shown, an insert500 having transponder 502 associated therewith, is inserted in sheetmedia supply drawer 504. Sheet media are stacked on insert 500 in drawer504. Drawer 504 is inserted into sheet media utilization apparatus 506through slot 508. Apparatus 506 includes transceiver 510 whichcommunicates with transponder 502. Other techniques for providingtransponder 502 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It will also be understood that other types of sheet media can be usedin association with the transponder of the present invention. Thus,sheet media used in other printing systems such as ink jet, thermal, dyetransfer, electrographic, lithographic, ink contact, or the like areconsidered within the scope of the present invention.

The invention has been described in detail wvith particular reference tocertain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scopeof the invention.

PARTS LIST

10 digital imager

12 film cartridge

14 sheet film

16 cartridge-receiving base

18 opening/closing mechanism

20 tray

22 polymer cover

23A-23D edges

24A-24D adhesive coating

26 planar bottom walls

28A-28D walls

30A-30D lips

32 guides

34A-34D feet

35 well

36 recess

38 ramp surface

40 recess

41 feet

42 cut-out sections

44 projections

46 apertures

50 transponder

52 liner

54 support sheet

56 coil antenna

58 circuit chip

59 connectors

70 bottom number

72-74 side members

76 rear member

78 front member

80-82 lugs

84 unit

86-88 tracks

90 antenna

92 electronics

110 exposure station

118 film processor

201 enclosure

202 upper chamber

204 lower chamber

208 scanning module

210 electronic module

211 power supply

228 suction fed mechanism

230 staging area

232 film staging mechanism

234 center roller

236-238 idler rollers

244 film platen

246 film feed slot

248 film alignment device

264 densitometer

266 tab openable cover

280 output tray

310 thermal processor

314 heated member

316 guide member

402 transponder

404 transceiver

406 control system

408 cartridge film handling system

410 film exposure station

412 image source

414 image processor

416 laser scanner

500 insert

502 transponder

504 drawer

506 apparatus

508 slot

510 transceiver

4000 flexible packaging

4020 media sheets

4040-4060 sides

4080 end

4100 tape

4120 end

4140 transponder

What is claimed is:
 1. Sheet media package system comprising: a lighttight cartridge which includes an open tray for holding a plurality ofsheet media and a resealable cover closing off said open tray; and aradio-frequency identification transponder disposed on a flexible sheetlocated at a bottom of said cartridge beneath said plurality of sheetmedia and which can be communicated with while said sheet media areremoved from said tray, with or without physical contact with thetransponder, and which stores relevant digital data; and wherein saidtransponder is disposed inside of said cartridge and remains in saidcartridge after removal of all of said sheet media.
 2. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said transponder includes a digital read/write memoryand wherein said memory stores digital data representing one or more ofthe following, cartridge manufacturing history, cartridge recyclingdata, cartridge error codes.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein saidtransponder includes digital read/write memory and wherein said memorystores digital data representing one or more of the following, mediasize, initial number of media sheets in packaging, media type, media lotnumber, media manufacturing history, media sensitometry, mediaexpiration date.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said transponderincludes a digital read/write memory and wherein said memory storesdigital data representing one or more of the following, uniquetransponder ID number, packaging ID number, messages for customers,sales or service personnel, upgrade software for sheet media system. 5.The system of claim 1 wherein said transponder includes a digitalread/write memory and wherein said memory stores digital datarepresenting one or more of the following; number of media sheetsremaining; any measure system parameter, including media calibration,image processing look-up tables, motor speeds, temperature, errors,transfer functions, system ID number, media usage, density patchtracking; any information relating to recycling of a media packaging,including, number of times recycled, date of recycling, time from lastrecycle, error codes that can prevent packaging from being reused;system failures, including media jams, optic failure, communicationproblems, recalibration; times to schedule service, preventivemaintenance, error fix, media supply; and codes to facilitate auditingof media, packaging, customer, media system.